President of Barbados Confers Order of the Freedom of Barbados on Kerryann Ifill

For the first time in 57 years, Barbados held the Independence Day Parade at the Usain Bolt Sports Complex (UBSC) in Black Rock, St Michael yesterday morning.

Scores of Barbadians were decked out in their best ultramarine, gold and black outfits and filled out the 5 000 seat stadium to celebrate their nation which Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley described as the “best little rock that this world has ever seen”.

During her address, Mottley said it was important that Barbadians held onto the principles that the country was built on and had served them so well over the years.

“I ask us to pay tribute to those principles, the commitment to pride and industry in our motto, to excellence as we have seen in the distribution of medals and awards today,” she began.

“I want equally to recognise that beyond excellence, our commitment to social justice and social unity, to caring for each other, that these things matter, not just in the affairs of state, but indeed, in the daily practice of our lives as we engage with each other, family to family, friends, work colleagues, and indeed the stranger in the street. These are the principles that have sustained generations of Barbadians before us, and must still do so today.”

Mottley asked the Barbadian public to continue to be patient and work hard together, citing Barbados’ position as the fifth fastest growing economy in the entire world this year as an example of what can happen when all of the stakeholders pull together. She believes the focus should be placed on transforming the nation.

The Prime Minister continued: “So my friends, I understand that sometimes it is difficult, and that sometimes you may even be a little weary of the efforts that are necessary. But when you were a child and a teenager, there were things of which you tired too, but they were critical to your growth. They were critical to our sustenance, they were critical to give you the platform that could make you into adults, into a nation that would want to be inspired, exulting, free.

“Let us, therefore, understand that our lot, as I said in the last few years, is the lot to plant, to sow. And if we plant correctly, and if we nurture, others will come and reap. And some will reap a three-week crop and some will reap a six-week crop and some will reap a three-month and some will read a nine- and 12-month. We will not all come in at the same time. But the importance of it is that we do not leave behind those who have not yet reached the destination.”